Letter to Cardinal Langlois Expressing Solidarity with the Church in Haiti, February 12, 2016

February 12, 2016

S. Em. Cardenal Chibly Langlois
Évêque de Les Cayes
Président, Conférence Episcopal de Haiti
137 rue Antoine Simon
HT-8110 Les Cayes, Haiti

Your Eminence:

At this time of continuing uncertainty in your beloved country of Haiti, I write to express the solidarity of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) with the Church and people of your nation. Your extensive efforts in the cause of justice and peace, joined to those of your brother bishops and the entire Church community in Haiti, reflect a long history of courageous leadership in the face of conflict. You have our deepest respect for your many efforts to overcome violence, address the root causes of social discord, and promote a just resolution of national challenges.  The recent Statement issued by the Haitian Bishops' Conference (CEH), is a fine example of this inspired leadership on behalf of the Church. We have shared your Statement with the Secretary of State of the United States. A copy of this letter is enclosed

As Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, observed on the Fifth Anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, "I would like to encourage the bishops of Haiti, all the priests and all those engaged in pastoral work of any kind, so that by their zeal and their fraternal communion they may inspire in the faithful renewed efforts in the area of Christian formation and of joyful and fruitful evangelization." (January 10, 2015).

Please be assured of my sincere expressions of solidarity, support and friendship extended on behalf of the Committee on International Justice and Peace. We look forward to continuing communication with you and your brother bishops in Haiti, and to being of any assistance that you may find advisable during these challenging times for your country.

Praying that God will continue to bless your work as pastors and peace builders, I remain

Fraternally yours in Christ,


Most Reverend Oscar Cantú
Bishop of Las Cruces
Chair, Committee on International Justice and Peace

cc.: S. E. Mons. Joseph Gontran Décoste, S.J
Évêque du Diocèse de Jérémie
Secrétaire Général, Conference Episcopal de Haiti
B.p. 1572, 56 Angles rue Piquant et Lamarre
HT-6110 Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Enclosure                    

solidarity-letter-to-catholic-conference-bishops-haiti-02-12-2016.pdf